Tributes have poured in after former British champion Dean Francis passed away.

The 44-year-old was diagnosed with terminal cancer last year but has lost his battle against the disease.

Francis had a 20-year career which saw him win British, European, Inter-Continental and Commonwealth titles under the nickname 'Star'.

Promoter Eddie Hearn was among those to pay tribute, tweeting: "My family and all at Matchroom Boxing send our deepest condolences to the family of Dean Francis, a great fighter and a lovely man. Rest in peace."

Francis, who announced he had been diagnosed with cancer in February last year, had a young son Rocco with wife Ghalia.

Dean Francis in action (Image: PA Archive)

Dean Francis in action (Image: Reading Post)

He announced his retirement from boxing in 2014, having been a professional for 20 years.

Francis battled with a long-term shoulder problem, initially sustained in 1998, and had come out of retirement two years earlier.

His last fight came against Bob Ajisafe as he missed out on the British light-heavyweight title after a unanimous points decision.

Francis received the support of boxing legends Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton as he raised money to fund his treatment in India, Barcelona and Mexico.

Dean Francis during a press conference (Image: PA Archive)

Calzaghe, who faced Francis as an amateur in 1991, felt his opponent should have become a world champion.

“I believe he would’ve won the world title if he didn’t damage his shoulder,” said Calzaghe earlier this year.

“I boxed Dean in 1991 and he was beating everybody at the time. I always followed his career, always had massive respect for him."